Monday, June 24, 2013

Title: Hold Tight (Embrace, #2)
Author: Cherie ColyerPublisher: Omnific PublishingGenre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Expected release date: August 20, 2013
Sixteen-year-old Madison Riley and her friends discover they aren’t the only supernatural beings in Gloucester, Massachusetts. These new creatures are more dangerous than ever, and this time Madison risks losing more than just her friends.

This is the new cover for Embrace, book #1, to match Hold Tight.

Title: Embrace (Embrace, #1)Released: December 2012
Madison is familiar enough with change, and she hates everything about it. Change took her long-term boyfriend away from her. It caused one of her friends to suddenly hate her. It's responsible for the death of a local along with a host of other mysterious happenings. But when Madison meets a hot new guy, she thinks her luck is about to improve. Madison is instantly drawn to the handsome and intriguing Isaac Addington. She quickly realizes he's a guy harboring a secret, but she's willing to risk the unknown to be with him. Her world really spins out of control, however, when her best friend becomes delusional, seeing things that aren't there and desperately trying to escape their evil. When the doctors can't find the answers, Madison seeks her own. Nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover. Dangerous, intoxicating, and darkly romantic, Embrace is a thriller that will leave you spellbound.

About the Author

Cherie Colyer writes young adult and middle grade novels. She loves finding new stories that keep her up late reading. While her favorite genre is realistic paranormal/fantasy, if the book is beautifully written with characters that come alive she’s all over it.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherie.colyer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherieColyer ; @CherieColyer

Title: Until Next TimeAuthor: Justine Dell
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Genre: Romance
Age Group: Adult
Expected release date: August 13, 2013
Description: Piper Downing knows a thing or two about death. She’s spent her entire life working inside her family’s funeral home. Now thirty, Piper’s been running the place on her own for what feels like an eternity. Not that she minds. Losing her parents at a young age, watching her teenage boyfriend die before her eyes, and seeing every type of death and tragedy possible in her line of work did something to her psyche. Piper copes with her job—and the world—by putting every emotion in a box and burying it. She doesn’t get close to people, has no friends, and only has relationships with men for sexual satisfaction. She doesn’t love. Love is selfish.
Macy Quinn Oliver knows a thing or two about death, too. An injury caused him to be honorably discharged as a fighter pilot and now he works as grief counselor at the local VA hospital. He grew up in a family that understands the pain of death, yet embraces what it means. He was taught that death isn’t the end, it is simply… until next time. Even after losing his young bride to brain cancer, Quinn loves. Quinn lives. But because of his vow to his late wife, Quinn will never marry.When he meets Piper at his Grandmother’s wake, her chestnut hair and matching eyes stirs him in way that hasn’t happened for a long time.
And Quinn has the same effect on Piper. Together they make the perfect pair; a girl who won’t love and a guy who won’t marry. But in order to get their happy ever after, Piper has to learn that love isn’t an end all, and Quinn must make a commitment he promised to never make again.

About the Author

Justine lives in the Midwest, happily catering to her family, which consists of a horse-obsessed teenage daughter, four dogs, and a husband who is too good to be true. She’s never moved from her hometown, but hopes to grow old in a much warmer climate. During the day she works a normal job with college students who try their best to keep her young. They’ve done a good job thus far. At night, said teenage daughter and her horse require mounds of love and attention. The weekends belong solely to her and her writing. That’s when she morphs into a sticky bug, unable to leave the confines of her computer chair. She started writing three years ago after seeing a movie that set off a chain reaction she couldn’t have stopped if she’d wanted. It’s not a hobby for her; it’s an obsession. One she loves and one she loves to share. Her debut novel, RECAPTURED DREAMS, and her second book, ALL AMERICAN GIRL, is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and wherever books are sold. Until Next Time is expected in August 2013, again published by Omnific Publishing.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustineDell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustineDell ; @JustineDell

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Nora
and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and
they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's
absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must
finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen
angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so
she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up,
and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim
that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch
will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end
this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often
go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself
drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle
lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have
always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them
destroy the love they have always fought for.

Let me start off by saying that this was probably my favorite book in the series. Not only is the cover gorgeous, like all of them have been, but I absolutely loved everything about the ending of this series and that not everything was tied up in a neat little bow.

What made me even more excited to read this was the fact that Becca came to my favorite little bookshop on her tour so I got to meet her and get my books signed which was incredible! It gave me a little more insight into the characters she created and what made her decide on this particular world.

Anyways, at this point so much has happened for Nora and Patch. Ups and downs as a couple as well as individually and they've gotten to a pretty good place because of it all. But they still have a big hurtle to get over before things can settle down. And, as always, nothing for them will come easy.

I love how strong their relationship is, but there's still room to grow. They love and trust each other, but Becca pushes them even further so they truly rely on one another. I think that was one of my favorite parts of this book.

This also had an ending, or conclusion, that I felt fit the book perfectly. There were still a few things left open that you don't know the answers to, just as the characters don't, but it doesn't take away from anything. The possibility of how it all works out is left up to the reader in a way, while the battle and the main story of the series was resolved.

While I'm sad to see this series and these characters go, I loved how everything ended. I can't wait to read more from Becca and explore different worlds that she creates.

She seemed far beyond his reach…could love draw them together?For
years shy animator Nathan has carried a torch for Brooke, the beautiful
and dynamic Director of Development at their animation studio, even
creating B-Girl, a comic-book heroine in her likeness. When a new
project throws the two of them together, lovestruck Nathan finally
seizes his moment – only to find Arnauld, head of the animation studio,
claiming exclusive rights to Brooke’s affections.

But Nathan, it
turns out, is not giving up on his dreams so easily. With inspired
determination, he sets out to be the super hero of wooing his girl.
Threatened by his persistence, Arnauld plays dirty – only to spark an
uprising at the studio that unleashes the sort of havoc only a building
full of frustrated animators can create. While Nathan pulls out all the
stops to win his B-girl, Brooke has to choose. Should she pursue the
sparkling career that has taken her years to build…or follow her heart?

I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm so glad that I got the chance to read Ruth's debut novel! Animate Me was fun, hilarious, and romantic.

Ruth did a fantastic job of creating and establishing great relationships for her characters. Throughout the book you could see how and why they all seemed to flow together. Especially Nathan and Brooke, our two main characters. They had a great rapport with one another and I could feel their connection just dripping off of the pages. Nothing was forced or instantaneous, it took time to work up to and I really appreciated that.

Not only were there descriptions of different drawings throughout this novel, but we also got to see quite a few of them, too. I think that was my favorite part. Getting to see what they were describing and enjoying it for ourselves.

Animate Me was a fun, sweet romance, and brought me as a reader into a world that I previously didn't know very much about. Cartoon animation isn't something I've really ever thought about, I've just reaped the benefits of some pretty amazing shows. Going behind the scenes, so to speak, was a lot of fun and seeing that world from fresh eyes.

I had so much fun reading this novel and found it almost impossible to put down.I'll definitely be checking out more from Ruth in the future.

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming October 2013)

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When
Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She
doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones
pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart
break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill
her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret
society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a
society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now
Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to
uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest
and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to
destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step
of the way.

I am so excited to check out Kami's solo novel! The Caster Chronicles were fantastic, both she and Margaret Stohl worked brilliantly together. Now I'm excited to see how they are separately. And this one sounds so good. *squee*

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming August 2013)

Baalboden has been
ravaged. The brutal Commander's whereabouts are unknown. And Rachel,
grief stricken over her father's death, needs Logan more than ever. With
their ragged group of survivors struggling to forge a future, it's up
to Logan to become the leader they need—with Rachel by his side. Under
constant threat from rival Carrington's army, who is after the device
that controls the Cursed One, the group decides to abandon the ruins of
their home and take their chances in the Wasteland.

But soon
their problems intensify tenfold: someone—possibly inside their ranks—is
sabotaging the survivors, picking them off one by one. The chaos and
uncertainty of each day puts unbearable strain on Rachel and Logan, and
it isn't long before they feel their love splintering. Even worse, as it
becomes clear that the Commander will stop at nothing to destroy them,
the band of survivors begins to question whether the price of freedom
may be too great—and whether, hunted by their enemies and the murderous
traitor in their midst, they can make it out of the Wasteland alive.

In
this daring sequel to Defiance, with the world they once loved forever
destroyed, Rachel and Logan must decide between a life on the run and
standing their ground to fight.

I was beyond amazed by Defiance, the first book in C.J. Redwine's debut series, and I can't wait for this second one. I wasn't expecting what happened in the first book and have a feeling the same will happen in Deception. I've been eagerly waiting on this book!

The moon goddess has taken up residency
within Prince Caben, darkening his mind and soul. Now he hunts the very women
he sacrificed his life to save, his conflicting desires for love and power
raging a battle within him. Kaliope possesses the key to setting Bale free, and
Caben will stop at nothing to see his goddess restored. Even if that means destroying
the kingdom he’s sworn to protect, and the infuriating woman who torments his
thoughts.

Kaliope,
now the leader to the newly formed Nactue Guard, has vowed to save Caben. But
with a traitor lurking among her people, and powers she’s unable to fully
control, Kaliope’s mission becomes shrouded with doubt. Her new role as watcher
over Caben’s kingdom brings a burden she’s unable to bear alone, and appointing
the right person in charge of the prince’s affairs has turned a kingdom against
the Nactue leader. Saving her stubborn, willful prince from the darkness
overtaking him will be the battle of her life, and she needs people she can
trust by her side. But bad blood between members of the Nactue obscure Kaliope’s
journey, while her feelings for Caben cloud her judgment.

When the
time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be
able to if it means losing Caben forever?

Book two
of the Goddess Wars is told in dual point of view from Kaliope and Caben. New
Adult Dark Fantasy, intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

***Excerpt (Caben’s POV)***

The Crusher grinds to a halt. I’m
propelled forward, and my head smacks the low-hanging ceiling of the front
compartment.

“Damn, you fool!” I palm my
throbbing forehead, eyeing the driver of the Crusher—the machines I now call by
their Otherworlder name.

Ignoring him, I study the luminous
white—like the surface of the moon—crawling beneath my skin, and marvel at the
power. My power. Had I possessed it
that day the Cavan Army forced me from my home, they never could have done so
easily. But then, I never would have obtained this power. Ironic.

“Just drive,” I tell him. I take a
seat on the front bench, away from the foul stench emanating from the back
compartment—our diversion tactic that will gain me entry into my palace, where
I know she’s being kept.

The glow beneath my skin
illuminates brighter, reminding me of her
skin. I curl my fingers into a tight ball.

The battle up ahead is only part
of my plan, one that I know Kaliope will fall for. I need the reserves away
from the palace. Then we’ll take care of her Nactue once we’re inside. My back
molars clamp down hard at the thought of her—a mix of something like fire and
nausea invading my stomach.

At one time, I felt things for the
black-haired beauty. I chuckle to myself. Well, at least my groin did. Just
thinking of her body makes me ache, and I have to adjust myself. But that was
when I was weak, when I only thought and felt with that weakness. As much as I hated my father for thinking me too feeble
to rule, he was right. I was pathetic.

Bale freed me. Released the part
of me that I kept buried, locked away deep down, and I no longer fear anything. I think of everything that
once made me shudder or quake with dread and laugh. It’s so simple.

Without fear, there is only
freedom.

Power.

And if I free Bale completely,
releasing her from within my being and making her corporeal, she’ll bestow me
with even more power. I don’t care what the dark goddess does or where she goes
once I restore Empress Iana’s relic. I don’t give a damn what happens to the
maggoty Otherworlders or their realm.

I just want her out of my mind.
And I want the power.

Then I’ll set my sights on
Perinya, and on gaining what’s mine.

A deep cackle fills my head, deep
and sultry.

“Quiet, woman.” I roll my eyes.
We’ve come to a compromise, the goddess and I, that she may remain within my
mind, but she’s to keep quiet. I got tired of her constant lectures and angry
rants about her sisters. She does stay silent…for the most part. But the sooner
I get her out of my head, the better.

Having a woman fill your thoughts
is a weakness in itself. A sudden flash of a smiling, laughing Kal blurs my
vision, and I shake my head.

There’s only one way to rid my
thoughts of that woman.

Kill her.

“Burrow, leach,” I command the
driver. “We’re coming up on the battle. Go underground.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Tonight, I plot. Find a way into
the capital of Perinya and into my home. And then take back what’s mine. The
goddess can have what she wants. I’m only interested in claiming what’s mine.

No one will ever take anything
away from me again.

Don’t get
in my way, Kal.

I shake my head harder, trying to
quiet the pesky thoughts that always spring up when I think of her. Something
left over from before—a residual feeling, an effect she has on me.

In the
sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life,
preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching
her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling
faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she
becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a
neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the
last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared
Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where
they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive
while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic
that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can
somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

Of Silver and Beasts is on sale
right now for only $.99. Get your copy
here:

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

When you’ve been
kept caged in the dark, it’s impossible to see the forest for the trees.
It’s impossible to see anything, really. Not without bars . . .

Andrew Winston Winters is at war with himself.

He’s
part Win, the lonely teenager exiled to a remote Vermont boarding
school in the wake of a family tragedy. The guy who shuts all his
classmates out, no matter the cost.

He’s part Drew, the angry
young boy with violent impulses that control him. The boy who spent a
fateful, long-ago summer with his brother and teenage cousins, only to
endure a secret so monstrous it led three children to do the
unthinkable.

Over the course of one night, while stuck at a
party deep in the New England woods, Andrew battles both the pain of his
past and the isolation of his present.

Before the sun rises,
he’ll either surrender his sanity to the wild darkness inside his mind
or make peace with the most elemental of truths—that choosing to live
can mean so much more than not dying.

This debut by Stephanie Kuehn was definitely one that I was surprised by. The description told me what to expect, but in the end I was completely blown away.

For the first half or so of the story we get alternating points of view of Andrew Winston Winters. The first is of Win as a teenager, present say, and the other is of Drew as a boy. Stephanie does a phenomenal job of maintaining the same voice of the character, but changing the tone for each. We see how Andrew was as a boy and how much he changed as a teen, with the stories eventually merging.

I'm not entirely sure that I understood everything that happened in this book, but I'm okay with that. The alternating points of the story live you wondering just what's going on and if what Win believes about himself is true. I'm still trying to figure that out and I love that this book has me thinking about it even after I've finished it.

One of the most important aspects was Win deciding to truly live in spite of the tragedies he'd experienced. His journey to come to grips with everything leaves room for more to be told, though I don't think it will be, and musing about what it could all mean.

In any case I really enjoyed this debut and definitely hope for more from the author, whether in this world or a new one.

Stephanie
Kuehn is a YA writer who grew up in
Berkeley, California, which is a quirky sort of a place with a ton of
wonderful bookstores. Her very first job was working in one of those
bookstores, and she's been a freakishly avid reader for as long as she
can remember.

Stephanie's
other passions include mental health advocacy, social justice, and
sports of all kinds. She's currently living in Northern California with
her family and their wild menagerie of pets.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Making a plan for what I wanted to read for the month seems to work out pretty well, so I thought I'd take a page from my
sister's book (pun intended) again and post my plan for this month. You
can check out her blog HERE to see what she's up to.

I was surprisingly able to finish the planned books I had for May (I had to borrow the first 2 days in June to finish the last one but don't tell anyone). So I'm going to try and stick to the same amount of books again this month, plus one for a book club meeting.